The church had sued the city of Holly Springs last month, alleging police had disrupted a church Bible study and Easter service.

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The wreckage of the fire in MississippiCredit: AP:Associated Press

Holly Springs City Attorney Shirley Byers said nearly 40 worshipers inside the church building were not practicing social distancing on April 10 when a citation was issued for the church.

Churchgoers practiced social distancing while indoors and only held indoor services when bad weather would not allow them to be outside, according to the lawsuit.

"To find that that graffiti is spray painted, 'I bet you stay home now you hypocrites' seems very clearly directed at this particular lawsuit and the church's stand for its own constitutional rights," church lawyer Stephen Crampton told WMC.

Byers said the city amended its local order to allow for drive-thru church services.

A safer-at-home order by Mississippi Gov Tate Reeves allows churches to operate as essential businesses, but it limits the size of indoor gatherings.

The order is set to expire on Monday.

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The Mississippi church was destroyed in the fireCredit: WMC5

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An investigation into the church is ongoingCredit: WMC5

The Republican governor has asked pastors to follow public health recommendations on social distancing and other practices.

Reeves issued guidelines this week for places of worship to restart services inside their buildings.

The governor said the fire and the message make him “heartbroken” and “furious.”